As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in San Antonio are actively engaging in efforts to honor their ancestors and serve their community. This lineage-based organization, whose members can trace their ancestry to those who supported the American Revolution, is committed to education, patriotism, and community service.

Preserving History and Supporting Veterans

The San Antonio chapter, led by Regent Deanna Rodriguez, consists of approximately 170 members who meet monthly. Their work extends beyond genealogy, as they focus on supporting veterans, promoting patriotism, and collaborating with local schools and military programs. “We do veterans work, we do patriotic service, we do children’s events, educational events,” Rodriguez explained.

Vice Regent Sharon Pelayo Simonick emphasized the organization’s dedication to education and historical preservation. “We’re all about education, historical preservation and pretty much celebrating America,” she said. The chapter actively collaborates with Junior ROTC and ROTC programs, presenting awards to outstanding cadets annually.

Connecting to Ancestral Roots

For many DAR members, the organization provides a personal connection to history. Rodriguez shared that her ancestors contributed to the Revolutionary cause by supplying cattle to feed troops, while Simonick traces her lineage to her sixth great-grandfather, Marcos Cepeda, whose family arrived in San Antonio in 1731. “They were all in it together. It didn’t matter where you came from,” Simonick noted, highlighting the unity among those who fought for independence.

Rodriguez also reflected on the extensive research her family conducted to uncover their lineage, including ties to her eighth great-grandfather, Jacinto Delgado. “It’s just such a fabulous history that I’m sharing with my family,” she said.

Embracing a Historic Milestone

As the nation approaches this significant milestone, DAR members are embracing the moment. “We’re never going to have anything like this again in our lifetime,” Rodriguez remarked. The DAR’s mission remains rooted in historic preservation, education, and patriotism, connecting present-day members to America’s founding story.

Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.